The P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association is lending its support to an effort to save five small schools in the province.
“A large majority of our captains and crew members live in rural Prince Edward Island,” explains a statement from the group, which represents more than 1,260 captains. “Many of our captains and crew have children or grandchildren attending rural schools in all parts of P.E.I.”
A review conducted for the board of directors of the Public Schools Branch recommends the closure of five schools, four of them in rural areas and one in Charlottetown. The move has garnered strong opposition during a series of meetings held right across the province. A final decision on whether to proceed with the closures is expected later this spring.
PEIFA is arguing the five schools remain open and “a process of true collaboration and dialogue be started with a focus on improving the quality of education for all Island students.”
A resolution to adopt that stand was passed during the group’s annual meeting in late February.
“We have great faith the identified communities will come up with innovative ways in which to increase the vibrancy and viability of their local schools when given the chance,” the association says. “We are asking the premier to support this initiative and that the closure recommendations of the five schools identified in the School Study Report be stopped.”
